| The Contender | | Cast : | Gary Oldman, Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges | | Director : | Rod Lurie | | Studio : | Dreamworks Skg | | Format : | Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen, Dolby | | Released Date : | October 13, 2000 | | DVD Released Date : | January 06, 2004 | | Language : | English (Dubbed), English (Original Language) | | Audience Rating : | R (Restricted) | | | BUY THIS DVD FROM AMAZON |
Customer Reviews
| Rating |  | | Date | August 09, 2005 | | Summary | The Contender is Awesome | Content
 | I caught part of this wonderful movie on Cable recently, and thought it was so great that I had to have a copy for myself. Viewed it again last weekend with a friend visiting from out of town and we were both blown away by the acting and the plot content and Joan Allen, in particular. This should be REQUIRED VIEWING for all voters and might be just what is needed to interest young people in the political process; especially to be able to better determine when politicians are not doing what they profess to believe in. |
| Rating | | | Date | July 10, 2005 | | Summary | Isn't this JUST a movie ... ? | Content
| As I'm reading all the other reviews of "The Contender" here on Amazon, I'm realizing that people seem to have taken it WAY too seriously! Lighten up, people! It's just a movie!
If I remember correctly, this was Joan Allen's first leading role (or at least her first one in a long time), and she does a marvelous job, and deservedly deserves her Best Actress Oscar nomination (this was the year Julia Roberts won, by the way). ALL of the performances are first-rate in this one, especially Jeff Bridges as Mr. President (who's somehow witty AND decisive at the same time), as well as the ingenious screenplay and direction.
Although I DO understand why this movie received the negative critical reviews it did (not counting Amazon reviews), I definitely think it should have received a little more love once Oscar time rolled around back in 2000.
It's currently July, 2005 ... any other Joan Allen fans out there? Any Academy members reading this right now? Let's take our girl all the way to another Best Actress nomination for "The Upside of Anger"! |
| Rating | | | Date | June 21, 2005 | | Summary | Too Far Slanted Left To Be Taken Seriously | Content
| I think most fair minded people of either party would agree that this is not a serious film. It is more like left wing propaganda. Which means that if you are a liberal and you want some sort of a pep rally, this is for you and you may well enjoy it (Nothing wrong with that). Likewise, if you are a conservative you probably enjoy listening to Rush Limbaugh (Nothing wrong with that, either), but you shouldn't think you're hearing a serious journalist.
I know that virtually no film is 100% down the middle (wherever the middle may actually be), and I can enjoy films that are somewhat biased either right or left. However, this film goes so far over the top in its depiction of conservatives and Republicans that it loses any credibility, just as a film that constantly bashes liberals and Democrats must be viewed in the same light. Not only are Republicans/Conservatives shown in a terrible light all the way through, they are treated UNFAIRLY throughout as well. It's one thing to be critical, but at least try to hit a legitimate target instead of some straw man of your own creation.
As the story goes, it's probably about a 3 star story. The ending didn't really make a lot of sense, and some things in the story were unrealistic for a film of this nature, but it wasn't a bad story.
If you are someone who wants to see a completely slanted story, you may enjoy this film if you are from the far left. But please, don't say it was a "good" film. Just enjoy it for what it really is: An average story that bashes republicans/conservatives and portrays them unfairly in virtually every scene in the movie. |
| Rating | | | Date | June 10, 2005 | | Summary | We need more political Thriller | Content
| I don't know why Hollywood is not interested in political thrillers. We are still talking about "Wag the Dog" and "All President Men". From this point Contender is filling the gap. The story of the film is great. Vice president was dead, President Nominees the female vice president. During the approval process political games were on stage. She stands for the right values. Especially for female viewers, this movie is inspiring. I enjoy the movie but it could be much better. |
| Rating | | | Date | April 06, 2005 | | Summary | an excellent political drama | Content
| This is a fascinating story about DC-style hard ball, this time merging with feminism and sexual politics. Not only are the mechanisms of government well portrayed, but the ideals of this country are reaffirmed in a realistic way. I found this to be rivetting drama with some interesting surprises and some superb acting. In many ways, what is most interesting about it is what the VP nominee - a principled, shrewd and tough woman - decides not to do than what she ultimately does. None of it seemed wooden or formulaic to me, and it was not by any means a simple politically correct film. This is the kind of republic we have, for better more than for worse. In a time when I am extremely pessimistic, I found this moving and inspiring.
Warmly recommended. |
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